If you’ve never had provoleta, get ready for an unforgettable experience. This Argentinean-inspired dish is a cheesy, savory delight that will transport you straight to the heart of Buenos Aires. It’s like grilling a perfect, melty slice of cheese with crispy edges and just the right amount of flavor what’s not to love? Trust me, this one’s going to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Argentinean-Inspired Provoleta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a little piece of Argentina right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning a barbecue, a casual dinner, or just want something a little different, provoleta is a must-try. Here’s why it’s so special:

Versatile: It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish, especially for grilling season. But it can also shine as a main if you’re in the mood for a lighter, cheesy treat.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, you’re creating something that tastes like you spent hours at a gourmet restaurant.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here—just melt and grill!
Customizable: You can tweak the toppings with extra herbs, spices, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Provoleta is one of those dishes that everyone will rave about. The cheese lovers in your life will be especially grateful!

Ingredients in Argentinean-Inspired Provoleta
Here’s the magic of this dish: a few basic ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed masterpiece. Let’s break it down:

Provolone Cheese: The star of the show! This semi-soft cheese is mild and savory, perfect for grilling. It becomes golden, crispy, and gooey all at once, giving you that irresistible melty texture.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps the cheese brown beautifully on the grill.
Oregano: A sprinkle of dried oregano brings a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the provolone.
Chili Flakes: For a touch of heat! These give the dish just the right amount of kick without overpowering the flavors.
Lemon Zest: A little zest adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Fresh Parsley: For a burst of color and freshness to finish off the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a heavy skillet or a grill pan if you don’t have a grill. This ensures a nice sear and perfect melty cheese.
Prepare the Cheese: Cut the provolone into thick slices. Make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up on the grill.
Season the Cheese: Drizzle the cheese slices with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano and chili flakes. This seasoning mix will infuse the cheese with delicious flavor.
Grill the Cheese: Place the slices of provolone on the grill (or in your pan) and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
Finishing Touches: Once the cheese is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle the lemon zest and fresh parsley on top for a final burst of flavor and color.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or grilled veggies.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
(Note: Please refer to the recipe card for the full nutrition breakdown.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Argentinean-Inspired Provoleta
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve with a warm baguette or rustic bread to dip into the melted cheese—trust me, it’s irresistible!
Pair it with a fresh tomato and onion salad, drizzled with olive oil and a dash of vinegar, for a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese.
For a more substantial meal, serve alongside grilled meats like steak or sausages for a true Argentine-style feast.

Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of honey after grilling for a sweet-savory twist.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, try grilling the cheese over indirect heat or adding a wood chip smoker box to your grill.
If provolone isn’t available, you can substitute with mozzarella or any other firm, melty cheese.

FAQ’s

Name: Argentinean-Inspired Provoleta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485081H56M20S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Argentine
Ingredients: 1 block (8 oz) provolone cheese (preferably aged); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can! Place the cheese slices on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! It’s all about that delicious provolone cheese, making it a perfect vegetarian appetizer or side.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
Yes, fresh oregano will work wonderfully here! Just use a bit more to make up for the difference in flavor intensity.
Can I make this dish spicy?
You bet! Add more chili flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can easily make this in a grill pan or skillet. Just make sure it’s a heavy-bottomed pan to get that perfect sear.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
For the best results, it’s best to assemble and grill the cheese right before serving. However, you can slice the cheese and season it in advance to save time.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat gently in a pan or under the broiler until warmed through.
Can I use a different cheese for this dish?
Yes! Any semi-soft cheese like mozzarella or even gouda will work, though they may change the flavor slightly.
What should I serve with Provoleta?
Provoleta is amazing with bread, grilled meats, or a fresh salad. You can even serve it as part of a tapas-style spread with other appetizers.
How do I get the perfect crispy edges?
The key is to cook the cheese over high heat for a short time. This helps it crisp up quickly without melting completely away.

Conclusion
This Argentinean-Inspired Provoleta is the ultimate cheesy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, it’s sure to impress. So fire up that grill (or skillet), slice that provolone, and enjoy this cheesy, savory masterpiece!

Argentinean-Inspired Provoleta

Author: Andy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Argentine
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A traditional Argentine dish featuring grilled provolone cheese, served with a sprinkle of oregano and chili flakes, often enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 block (8 oz) provolone cheese (preferably aged)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Cut the provolone cheese into thick slices (about 1/2-inch thick).
Brush each side of the cheese with olive oil.
Place the cheese slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly melted.
Once grilled, transfer the cheese to a serving plate and sprinkle with dried oregano and red pepper flakes.
Optionally, drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately while hot, with crusty bread or as a side to your favorite Argentine meal.

Notes

Provoleta is best enjoyed fresh off the grill while the cheese is still warm and melty.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan or a broiler to achieve the same effect.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.